Emily Shumate

This document presents the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's Reservoir Black Bass Management Plan for 2022-2031, designed to enhance black bass fishing and management and boost angler satisfaction. Developed through stakeholder input, the plan focuses on seven key areas: diversifying fishing opportunities, improving communication and education, enhancing access and facilities, restoring and managing habitat, promoting safe reservoir use, increasing bass fishing participation, and optimizing interactions with other species. It serves as a blueprint for improving black bass management by integrating public input with biological data.

The meeting involved administrative discussions regarding scheduling a presentation for another time. A motion was passed to approve the agenda as amended, which included a goodwill sentiment for a commissioner's recovery. The commission proceeded with commissioner roll call due to hybrid attendance. The primary discussion centered on the timeline for revising the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) management and response plan. The revision process involves an extensive literature review, completion of a first draft by the end of February 2025, followed by a peer review process throughout March and into April. The revised draft will be presented for a first reading in April and a final vote in June. Feedback collection methods include formal expert peer review, a citizen focus group, and consultation with the Directors Advisory group.

The meeting commenced with a roll call of commissioners. The primary discussion point immediately following the call to order was a motion to enter into executive session to discuss a personnel matter. The motion was made, seconded, and approved by the present commissioners. Following the executive session, the body reconvened publicly.

The meeting included discussions on agency projects, strategic plans, and public engagement. Topics included the 2018-19 duck season, chronic wasting disease (CWD), and fisheries management. Presentations covered waterfowl biology, CWD research and evaluation, and fisheries division updates. Challenges such as infrastructure aging, lake management, and aquatic nuisance species were addressed. There were also questions about turkey hunting regulations.

The meeting addressed proposed regulation changes, including reinserting language into Code 1801 regarding Turkey baiting prohibitions and allowance for natural deer urine products. The discussion covered the necessity of these changes, potential risks associated with deer urine products, and alignment with testing programs.